As a homeowner, one of the most important investments you can make is installing a backup generator. Whether you live in the suburbs or rural areas of Alabama, power outages can happen at any time, especially during severe weather. A backup generator ensures that you and your family have access to essential electrical power when the grid goes down. In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about whole-home backup generator systems, how backup generators work, and what size backup generator you need.
How Do Backup Generators Work?
Backup generators run on propane or natural gas and require professional installation. They work by converting mechanical energy into electrical power.
When the power goes out, the generator automatically turns on, and the engine starts running. The alternator, which is connected to the engine, converts the mechanical energy into electrical power that's then distributed throughout your home.
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Whole Home Backup Generator Sizing
Before purchasing a backup generator, you need to determine your energy needs to find the right size for your home. To do this, you need to account for the appliances and devices that you'll need to power during a power outage. This includes essential items like your refrigerator, sump pump, lighting, and heating or cooling systems.
A whole home backup generator sizing process involves an expert who will look at the size of your home and all of the electrical equipment you need to run. They will calculate the wattage requirements for all these devices and determine the generator size you'll need. A generator that is too small may not power all of the appliances you need, while a generator that’s too large may be more expensive than necessary.
What Size Backup Generator Do I Need?
The size of the backup generator you need depends on the wattage requirements of the devices and appliances you need to power. Typically, backup generators range from 7 kilowatts (kW) to 22 kW, with the most popular sizes being 10 kW, 16 kW, and 22 kW. In general, a 10 kW generator can power essential appliances like a refrigerator, sump pump, and lighting. A 16 kW generator can power additional appliances like a water heater and HVAC systems, while a 22 kW generator can usually power everything in your home.
When choosing a backup generator, it's important to consider your energy needs during a power outage. If you live in an area prone to long-lasting power outages or have a large home with many appliances, you may want to consider a larger generator size.
Stay Safe and Comfortable During Power Outages
It's important to consider the whole home backup generator sizing process, how backup generators work, and what size backup generator you need before purchasing one. Working with a professional can help ensure that you purchase the right size generator for your home and energy needs.
The experienced professionals at AirNow Home Services can help you come up with the perfect generator solution for your home. Call us at (334) 384-6050 or schedule an appointment anytime.